Reds hold team meeting after tenth loss in eleven games

Reds' manager Bryan Price called an immediate team meeting on Wednesday following the Reds 6-4 loss to the Rockies, their tenth loss in eleven games.

“When the general speaks, all the soldiers listen,” said Reds catcher Brayan Pena. “It was a very good meeting. It was something that we need. Hopefully tomorrow we can enjoy a good day off and regroup.”

The tension in the clubhouse, after a walk-off win on Tuesday, was palpable, a feeling that something needs to change in a hurry before they lose grip on a season slipping away in late May. Not much was said about exactly what Bryan Price talked about during the team meeting, but the Reds manager was asked after the game if he's feeling any added pressure at the top.

“When it comes down to it, we're just not producing,” said Reds first baseman Todd Frazier, who belted his 14th homer of the year in Wednesday's loss. “It's unbelievable, you lose ten out of eleven. When you're losing and all of the sudden, you're down in the beginning of the game, it's like, here we go again. It's on us as hitters to get back in the game.”

For a third straight outing, Mike Leake struggled to find his spots giving up six earned runs over five innings in the series finale to Colorado. Leake's ERA has risen from 2.36 to 4.66 over his last three starts.

“We're beat,” said Leake. “We're mentally heated right now. We're putting too much pressure on ourselves. It's just a matter of trying our best to feel like kids again. You want to do your job. You want to do better every day. Sometimes, you just grind too much.”

The Reds (19-27) get a day off on Thursday before hosting the NL-East leading Nationals this weekend.